Shelby GT350 and Mach 1 Models Return on the Next-Gen Mustang

A few days ago, a rumor popped up that the next-generation Ford Mustang would drop the "Shelby" moniker and that Ford would revive the famous "Cobra" name. Now it appears that those rumors weren’t completely true, as a source within Ford informed Mustangs Daily that the Shelby name will not disappear; rather, it will morph…

The details suggest that the current Shelby GT500 will be replaced by a new Shelby GT350 model. The GT350 will arrive about one year after the next-gen Mustang debuts, making it a 2016 model.

Unlike the current GT350, which is nothing more than an aftermarket package available directly from Shelby, the next GT350 will be an official Ford factory model.

Additionally, do not GT350 to deliver the same outlandish performance figures as the GT500. Don’t start pouting just yet, as Ford is not planning the GT350 to be simply a badge-filled model. Like the original GT350, rumors point toward the new one being a stripped down model with some extra pop under the hood. This will tick off a few check boxes on the Mustang’s list of goals: a more powerful above the GT, a direct competitor to the new Z/28 and a more affordable Shelby model.

Alongside the revived GT350, the new Mustang will also revive the Mach 1 nameplate, which last saw some use in 2003 and 2004. The new Mach 1 will arrive on the market sometime in 2017.

Click past the jump to read more about the next generation Ford Mustang.

The next-generation Mustang is rumored to be set for unveiling at the New York Auto Show in April 2014, which so happens to be 50 years to the month of the original Mustang’s debut.

The 2015 Mustang will change its exterior language and will adopt a more global interpretation. this will also mark the first time it will be offered in a right-hand-drive configuration from the factory. Also, for the first time ever, the 2015 Mustang will adopt an independent rear suspension.

Under the hood, the next Mustang will keep the current engine lineup, but a rumor has it that a 2.0-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder in the 350-horsepower range will make an appearance.